Vardavar

Origins and history

The festival began in pre-Christian antiquity as an observance honoring Astghik, the Armenian deity of water, love, beauty, and fertility. Traditional folklore claimed worshippers presented roses to her, linking the Armenian word for rose, vard, to the celebration during harvest season, though scholars propose the name comes from an older root meaning to bring. Other lore attributes the ritual to Noah, who instructed his family to sprinkle water on one another and release doves to recall the great flood. Following the Christianization of Armenia, the Armenian Apostolic Church paired these popular customs with the Feast of the Transfiguration.

How it is celebrated

On the day of the feast, streets turn into lively water fight arenas. People of all ages splash passersby without warning, while residents empty buckets from high apartment balconies onto walkers below. Getting soaked is received with good humor, as the water brings welcome coolness to the hot, arid days of late June or July. For children, the holiday is a beloved occasion to play practical jokes in public without getting into trouble, keeping squares and neighborhood lanes filled with laughter, chases, and flying water.

Festivals and diaspora life

Organized cultural events run alongside spontaneous neighborhood splashing. Youth organisations host festive programs at historic landmarks such as the pagan temple in Garni and the medieval monastery of Geghard. These gatherings feature choral performances of traditional songs by groups like the Nairyan Vocal Ensemble, blessings for young people, and themed pavilions exhibiting regional crafts and folkways. Armenian communities abroad also maintain the tradition, holding community splash days and picnics with grilled khorovats and chilled tahn yogurt drinks in places like Russia and Glendale, California.

How Vardavar is kept

People of all generations take part by filling buckets, bowls, and hoses to douse friends, family, and strangers in the street. Balconies serve as lookout spots to pour water over pedestrians below. Alongside street splashing, cultural celebrations at historic sites feature youth blessings, traditional songs performed by choral groups, and pavilions showcasing regional crafts and heritage.

When and where

Vardavar is observed 98 days, or 14 weeks, after Easter. This places the holiday in late June or July during the Feast of the Transfiguration, though exact dates and customs vary slightly in certain regions.

The holiday is celebrated across Armenia, with prominent cultural festivities held at the Garni temple and Geghard monastery. It is also kept by diaspora communities in Russia and in Glendale, California.

What Vardavar means

Water serves as a sign of refreshment, renewal, and remembrance. Early traditions honored Astghik and natural fertility, while later Christian meaning tied the day to the Transfiguration. Another folk association recalls Noah's flood through water sprinkling and the flight of doves.

On the table

• Khorovats
• Tahn

Vardavar dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Vardavar

See also

MaslenitsaA seven-day Eastern Slavic festival of pancakes and bonfires marking the end of winter before Lent.KwanzaaA seven-day African American celebration of heritage, family and community valuesTanabataA Japanese summer star festival of written wishes hung on leafy bamboo.OnamA ten-day harvest festival in Kerala celebrating the return of King Mahabali with feasts, flower carpets and boat races.

Good reading and sources

• Vardavar on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.